Association for Death Education and Counseling

08/02/2025

: Becoming a Fellow in Thanatology is quite an achievement! It demonstrates your commitment to excellence and dedication in the field of thanatology.

MemberTestimonial: Dr. Jillian Blueford (she/her/hers), PhD, LPC, NCC, earned a BS in Psychology from the University of Central Florida, an MA in Counseling from Rollins College, and a PhD in Counselor Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her clinical professional background includes working in a hospice bereavement center, a psychiatric behavioral hospital, and she is currently in private practice. Dr. Blueford’s research focuses on professional counselor competency in grief counseling and developing systemic grief models for professional counselors.

In the video below she shares her thoughts on the value of earning her ADEC CT (Certified in Thanatology) designation. This credential recognizes her academic achievements, research and clinical expertise in the field of Thanatology — Death, Dying, Grief, Loss and Bereavement.
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2025 applications are open now through August 15, 2025. The exam will be administered October 17 from 9:00 AM EST to October 18 at 9:00 AM EST.
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For more information on how to become Certified in Thanatology or a Fellow in Thanatology, please check out the ADEC website here: https://www.adec.org/page/Earn_Certification

08/01/2025

FYI: Worth checking out later this month…

Interested in submitting a conference proposal for the ADEC 2026 Conference? Have no idea where to begin? We are hosting a Conference Abstract Workshop on Monday, August 11th at 12pm ET/9am PT! This virtual event will provide tips and ideas from past presenters and members of the Conference Planning Committee!

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEEeaO8G4dq3XvzymkC93g8RMPWiseeotKM9bo6IjpWwFScQ/viewform

07/29/2025

: CALL for ABSTRACTS!
ADEC is seeking proposals for concurrent sessions and poster presentations for the 2026 Conference in Baltimore, Maryland next March.
Submissions are open now through to August 22nd, and notifications will be sent out in December.
=>> Scroll down for the link, if you'd like more details or to apply.
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Suggested Topics for the 2026 Conference

Our goal is to have diverse and broad representation of topics explored in our programming. ADEC invites proposals in your area of interest and expertise that reflects and welcomes the breadth of knowledge in our diverse community.
Feedback from our past conference highlights the following areas of interest as identified by participants.
NOTE: This list is informational and does not guarantee that abstracts related to these topic areas will necessarily be chosen.

Spirituality and grief
Su***de
Role of rituals and ceremonies
Trauma informed grief care
Grief of individuals with special needs
Care for the terminally ill and dying
Supporting veterans at end of life
Working with children in schools
Attachment informed grief therapy
Anticipatory Grief
Perinatal loss
Grief considerations for the Latinx community
Experiential and somatic approaches in grief
AI and its impact on Thanatology Community

https://www.adec.org/page/2026_Abstract_Submissions

07/18/2025

: This year at the 2025 conference, all the attendees who are Certified in Thanatology or a Fellow in Thanatology were asked to come forward for a group picture. Congratulations to everyone who are brand new CT's and FT's this year!

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2025 applications are open now through August 15, 2025. The exam will be administered October 17 from 9:00 AM EST to October 18 at 9:00 AM EST.
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For more information on how to become Certified in Thanatology or a Fellow in Thanatology, please check out the ADEC website here: https://www.adec.org/page/Earn_Certification

07/14/2025

: Join us tomorrowfor "Mindfulness-Based Grief Therapy: Cultivating Resilience, Compassion, and Meaning After Loss" presented by Heather Stang, MA, C-IAYT (scroll down for registration link and more details).

WHEN: Tuesday, July 15th
1:00-2:30pm ET | 12:00-1:30pm CT | 10:00-11:30am PT
CE: 1.5

Purchasing this live webinar will also give you access
to a recording of the event.

$70 for Non-Members
$45 for Members
1.5 CEs
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Please use this link for more information about registration:
https://adec.mycrowdwisdom.com/diweb/catalog/item?id=17934620

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Description:
This webinar introduces the 8-Step Mindfulness & Grief System, a trauma-informed and mindfulness-based approach to grief therapy that integrates contemporary grief theories with accessible body-based and contemplative practices. Clinicians will learn how to flexibly adapt phases of care to individual client needs, supporting clients to regulate emotion, reconnect with the body, and gradually rebuild their lives with intention and purpose. Grounded in ancient traditions and adapted for modern, secular use, this system cultivates both client care and clinician well-being. Through case examples and reflective guidance, attendees will gain insight into the goals of each phase, explore adaptable techniques, and receive clinical language to support their clients and themselves.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe how mindfulness-based practices can alleviate the physical and emotional symptoms of grief.
2. Recognize common barriers clients face when trying mindfulness and offer adaptations for increased accessibility.
3. Integrate mindfulness-based and self-compassion strategies into grief counseling to support emotional regulation and foster resilience.

About the Presenter:
Heather Stang, MA, C-IAYT, is the author of Navigating Loss, Living With Grief (formally Mindfulness & Grief) and the guided journal, From Grief To Peace. She is the recipient of the 2025 Association for Death Education and Counseling Clinical Practice Award, holds a Master's Degree in Thanatology from Hood College, and is a Certified Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist. Her 8-step Mindfulness & Grief System that is featured in the Handbook of Grief Therapies, and is the foundation of a self-care focused online grief support group, Awaken. Heather also hosts the Moving Grief Podcast, the Mindfulness & Grief Podcast, and offers private sessions and professional training through her organization, the Mindfulness & Grief Institute.

Her work is grounded in a heartfelt desire to relieve suffering, and in honor of her Uncle Doug who died by su***de when she was a child. Heather holds a master’s degree in Thanatology from Hood College and is a Certified Yoga Therapist in the Phoenix Rising tradition. Learn more at heatherstang.com.

07/11/2025

: This coming Tuesday (July 15th) is our next webinar, Mindfulness-Based Grief Therapy with Heather Stang -- an ADEC member and highly regarded grief and mindfulness speaker, author, podcast host and thanatologist.
NOTE: If you're not available for the live presentation, you can still register and watch it when it suits your schedule.
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Tuesday July 15th at 1pm EST

Heather's webinar introduces her signature 8-Step Mindfulness & Grief System, a trauma-informed and mindfulness-based approach to grief therapy that integrates contemporary grief theories with accessible body-based and contemplative practices. Clinicians will learn how to flexibly adapt phases of care to individual client needs, supporting clients to regulate emotion, reconnect with the body, and gradually rebuild their lives with intention and purpose. Grounded in ancient traditions and adapted for modern, secular use, this system cultivates both client care and clinician well-being. Through case examples and reflective guidance, attendees will gain insight into the goals of each phase, explore adaptable techniques, and receive clinical language to support their clients and themselves.
For more information or to register, please visit:
https://tinyurl.com/2p9s79u4

07/09/2025

This timely resource might be worth sharing with parents, guardians, grandparents, educators and anyone who engages with kids...

As families grapple with the heartbreak and devastation from the floods this past weekend, we know there are parents and caregivers across the country trying to find the words to talk with their children about safety, loss, and fear. While there are no magic words, we wanted to share a series of resources that might help with finding ones that feel relevant and supportive.
Find our Support After a Mass Tragedy Toolkit and other grief support resources at dougy.org/tragicevents

Here is an excerpt from a piece by our Senior Director of Advocacy and Education, Dr. Donna Schuurman:
"While we can’t guarantee to our children that nothing bad will ever happen to them, we can provide assurance that these events are relatively rare, and that we will do everything we can to keep them safe. Children may have many questions about the events, particularly about natural disasters. Answer their questions with language that fits their developmental stage. It’s okay if you don’t know the answer to a question. If it’s a question that might have an answer, offer to look up more information. You can also ask children what they think the answer is as they often have thoughts and ideas they want to share with you. In the case of natural disasters, if your child is fearful of something like that happening in your community, talk with them about the safety plan that you have in place for your family and home. You can also look into what community safety measures are in place and whatever elements are relevant with your children. Many children will be reassured knowing that there are specific, tangible things they and your family can do if something occurs. Some examples include, picking a meeting place, keeping flashlights in every bedroom, talking about where you will keep emergency water and food."

07/09/2025

: Carrying the Tiger ~ Living with Cancer, Dying with Grace, Finding Joy While Grieving by Tony Stewart
=>> recommended by ADEC volunteer & FT, Kailey Bradley

Stewart’s memoir chronicles his experience of losing his wife, Lynn, who was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Carrying the Tiger details the experience of treatments, side-effects, her eventual death, and the ups and downs of the grief process. Stewart’s writing is detailed, honest and poignant.
In the last section of his grief memoir he shares about his experience of finding love again and the challenges in moving forward with the memory of his wife, while also creating room for new love and hope.

07/08/2025

: Join us for "Mindfulness-Based Grief Therapy: Cultivating Resilience, Compassion, and Meaning After Loss" presented by Heather Stang, MA, C-IAYT (scroll down for registration link and more details).

WHEN: Tuesday, July 15th
1:00-2:30pm ET | 12:00-1:30pm CT | 10:00-11:30am PT
CE: 1.5

Purchasing this live webinar will also give you access
to a recording of the event.

$70 for Non-Members
$45 for Members
1.5 CEs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this link for more information about registration:
https://adec.mycrowdwisdom.com/diweb/catalog/item?id=17934620

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description:
This webinar introduces the 8-Step Mindfulness & Grief System, a trauma-informed and mindfulness-based approach to grief therapy that integrates contemporary grief theories with accessible body-based and contemplative practices. Clinicians will learn how to flexibly adapt phases of care to individual client needs, supporting clients to regulate emotion, reconnect with the body, and gradually rebuild their lives with intention and purpose. Grounded in ancient traditions and adapted for modern, secular use, this system cultivates both client care and clinician well-being. Through case examples and reflective guidance, attendees will gain insight into the goals of each phase, explore adaptable techniques, and receive clinical language to support their clients and themselves.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe how mindfulness-based practices can alleviate the physical and emotional symptoms of grief.
2. Recognize common barriers clients face when trying mindfulness and offer adaptations for increased accessibility.
3. Integrate mindfulness-based and self-compassion strategies into grief counseling to support emotional regulation and foster resilience.

About the Presenter:
Heather Stang, MA, C-IAYT, is the author of Navigating Loss, Living With Grief (formally Mindfulness & Grief) and the guided journal, From Grief To Peace. She is the recipient of the 2025 Association for Death Education and Counseling Clinical Practice Award, holds a Master's Degree in Thanatology from Hood College, and is a Certified Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist. Her 8-step Mindfulness & Grief System that is featured in the Handbook of Grief Therapies, and is the foundation of a self-care focused online grief support group, Awaken. Heather also hosts the Moving Grief Podcast, the Mindfulness & Grief Podcast, and offers private sessions and professional training through her organization, the Mindfulness & Grief Institute.

Her work is grounded in a heartfelt desire to relieve suffering, and in honor of her Uncle Doug who died by su***de when she was a child. Heather holds a master’s degree in Thanatology from Hood College and is a Certified Yoga Therapist in the Phoenix Rising tradition. Learn more at heatherstang.com.

07/06/2025

: Are you interested in becoming Certified in Thanatology or a Fellow in Thanatology? The 2025 applications are open now through August 15, 2025! The exam will be administered October 17 from 9:00 AM EST to October 18 at 9:00 AM EST.

Gina Davis is a new ADEC member and she just earned her Certification in Thanatology. In this video she shares how beneficial the certification has been for her In her role as a grief and bereavement coordinator for Forest Lawn Memorial Parks and Mortuaries.

Please listen to Gina Davis as she shares how earning her Certification in Thanatology/CT has shaped her work with the bereaved.

Please use this link for more information on the becoming certified: https://www.adec.org/page/Earn_Certification